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Megan Gatton
Graduate Student in Classical Art and Archaeology
Professional Background
Megan Gatton is a devoted Ph.D. student at the prestigious Institute of Fine Arts, located at New York University. With her keen intellect and a passion for the arts, her research focuses on the intricate cultural exchanges in the ancient world, the historical implications and practices surrounding antiquities collecting, and how classical material culture informs conceptions of race. As an enthusiastic student of history and art, Megan's academic journey reflects her commitment to exploring the complexities within cultural narratives and their representations.
Her extensive and diverse museum experience showcases her comprehensive understanding of art and archaeology. Megan has held pivotal roles at several esteemed institutions, including the renowned Addison Gallery of American Art, where she served as a Community Ambassador, helping to foster connections between the gallery and Phillips Academy's student body. Additionally, she has made impactful contributions at the American Museum of Natural History, serving as an intern in their Nels Nelson North American Archaeology Laboratory, which helped refine her research and analytical skills in a practical setting.
Megan's journey also led her to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she gained valuable insights as a Curatorial Intern in the Greek and Roman Department, one of the museum's most esteemed collections. Her hands-on experience at these institutions has enriched her understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of art history and archaeology.
Education and Achievements
Megan’s educational endeavors are as impressive as her career trajectory. She earned her B.A. in Classics-Art History, graduating Magna Cum Laude from New York University in 2020. The rigorous training she received at NYU equipped her with a solid foundation in both classical studies and art history—two fields that intersect beautifully, allowing for a deeper exploration of ancient cultures through their artistic expressions.
Following her undergraduate studies, Megan accepted an offer to pursue her Master of Studies (MSt) in Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford, where she achieved a Merit classification in 2021. This advanced degree afforded her a rich and immersive environment to further her knowledge in archaeology, allowing her to specialize in topics pivotal to her future research and career. Currently, she is furthering her studies by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History of Art and Archaeology at the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU. This doctoral program is known for its rigorous scholarship and the prominence of its faculty, which will undoubtedly serve as a critical backdrop for her future contributions to the academic world.
Notable Achievements
In addition to her impressive academic background, Megan has acquired valuable experience through various internships and assistant roles. As a Course Assistant and Research Assistant at the Institute of Fine Arts, she has worked closely with faculty members on significant research projects, gaining critical insights into the academic processes of art history. Her role as a Technology Assistant at New York University highlights her adaptability and proficiency across various mediums and technologies.
Megan’s internships in gallery settings, such as her position as a Gallery Coordinator at Questroyal Fine Art LLC and her earlier role as a Gallery Intern, equipped her with practical skills in art curation and gallery management, as well as an understanding of the critical intersection between art and commerce. Moreover, her experience as a Co-Curator at the Makers’ Crucible Gallery provided her an opportunity to display her expertise in curating collections, underlining her ability to blend scholarship with practical applications in the arts.
Overall, Megan Gatton’s multifaceted background, enriched by her extensive education and hands-on experience in museums and galleries, uniquely positions her to contribute significantly to the fields of art history and archaeology. As she progresses in her Ph.D. program, the academic community eagerly anticipates her forthcoming research and its potential implications for understanding the complexities of cultural exchange and race through antiquities and classical material culture.
